Thank You, Arizona! (Not Good-Bye!)

Adam and I with the most WONDERFUL host family: the Giboneys!

Two and a half months pass quickly when you're pursuing a job you love, conquering "unexplored land", and are surrounding yourself with loving people. Adam and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time here. We can't believe how quickly Thursday, August 6th has approached! Although we'll continue to "road trip," taking pit stops in Texas, New Orleans, Alabama, South Carolina, and Maryland along the way, we'll surely miss the adventures and relationships that we've built here in Peoria, Arizona.

Below are a few quick, fun questions that summarize some key take-away moments from the summer experience.

One of my favorite memories from this summer have been:
I've really enjoyed the moments when my host family (Donna, Mike, Haley, and Hunter), Adam, and I have gathered around the dinner table and have spent hours talking, eating, and sharing life together. I've always been fond of long, family meals and long to have these (at least once a week) with my future family. These moments make wonderful "warm, fuzzy" memories.

One of my greatest challenges that I've experienced while here has been:
...Not having my girlfriends around to hang out with when Adam's playing poker or P90X with the guys! Not having them around though has challenged me to keep in touch with them through phone calls and Facebook messages!

One that I'll really miss about Arizona includes:
HOW BEAUTIFULLY STRAIGHT MY HAIR LOOKS, EVEN IN THE SUMMER! Oh, my hair's at its best out here! I'll definitely miss going on early runs when it's "toasty" outside (86 degrees at 6am). I'll miss the constant sunshine and the ability to wear shorts and a tank at 11pm at night. I'll miss gazing at the mountains on my way to work. Oops, was I only supposed to list one?

One thing that I've learned here about Adam and my relationship is:
...We really do make a great team! Adventuring out here as a couple has allowed us to "lean" on each other and grow in ways we never before found ourselves compatible. We've built memories together while striving to learn more about each other and how we can best serve one another. Never before have we spent more time together and never before have I been more in love. Don't get me wrong, there's been difficult times, for sure! We're much stronger because of this summer though, and we've had a ton of fun along the way.

One thing that I've learned here about myself is:
People really love me for me: crazy, silly, outgoing, loud, hard-working, dedicated, caring, compassionate me. Even in a new environment, I was able to confidently "be who I am" and loved it. Not only did I love it, but others did, too! They loved me for me, so I need to keep loving me for me, too!

One thing that I've learned here regarding my relationship with God includes:
God created me as a human BEing, not a human DOing. My personal relationship with God (aka spending time with God) can never be sacrificed for doing things for God (aka busy schedule), especially if I work in a church! I must be just as comfortable BEING with God as I am DOING for (or with) Him!